Any of you members or have any thoughts on this organization? I just turned 50 and finally looking for an extracurricular way to leave my mark, at least in some little way, on the world. At least at first glance it looks like a place I'd fit in. I'm also considering joining our local Izaak Walton League.

I haven't joined (YET) but I think it's a pretty good organization if that's the stuff you believe in and want to protect.

I joined a few years back. I'm a proud public land downer. I own millions of acres across the country and any of you are welcome to use it :)

I've been a member for about 4 years. I use and enjoy public land on a regular basis, and believe they are a good organization for protecting public lands. Many in Congress advocate returning public lands to states, which would likely lead to them selling the land to the highest bidder. Nevada, for instance, has sold somethink like 95% of their former state land.

I've been a member for about 4 years. I use and enjoy public land on a regular basis, and believe they are a good organization for protecting public lands. Many in Congress advocate returning public lands to states, which would likely lead to them selling the land to the highest bidder. Nevada, for instance, has sold somethink like 95% of their former state land.

Traditional bowhunters comprise probably the fastest growing segment of BHA membership. They are fully supported by Traditional Bowhunter magazine. Many of the BHA leadership and founders were professional natural resource managers.

I've been a member for about 3 years. They are more Western based, but they've done ALOT of work here in my region in regards to the proposed copper-nickel mine at the edge of the BWCA. Very worthwhile organization, they now get my monetary backing instead of DU...

And nearly each state has its own branch to work on state specific issues rather than one central group trying to cover the country. They also work hard and keeping public water way accesses open to wading and floating.

Some time back I began doing a little looking into BHA to see if I might want to join. I believe 100% in keeping our public lands "public". During the time I was doing some looking at the organization, I found them on a social media source and began following it. It was a major turn-off. Rants and foul language was common and very unprofessional. I wouldn't wanted my kids seeing/reading it. I decided I could spend my money supporting an organization that represented my feelings on bowhunting public lands in a MUCH more professional manner.

South Farm, I'm right there with you and you just mentioned two organizations that I think are tops in conservation, and worthy of our support IMO.

DarrinG, if you follow the comments on any org's social media source these days, you will find more than your share of foul language and rants. Not excusing it, but that's just how it is everywhere now.

In fact, if you find one that doesn't have that, please let me know.

I am a member and have no earthly idea how that membership came about. I think it was because of a Seek Outside tepee I bought for hunting in Alaska and other places I may pack in or have extreme weight limitations on gear. I just started getting emails from them and get their magazine which is very nice. I have not been to any of their functions. Seems to me that a great deal of their interest is in preserving trout streams. While that is a noble and worthwhile project, I have no interest in trout fishing.

There appears to be some overlap and competition between BHA and some aspects of Trout Unlimited. Where there are potential constituents and hot issue topics, these groups compete for members and money. However, most of the sportsmen I know are members of both groups.

I would hope the off-putting rants and foul language that DarrinG mentioned were not posted by BHA representatives or leadership.

I think they do focus on trout a good bit. I don't elk hunt but I will do what I can to help keep access open to those who do. Matter of fact I've never crossed the big river, but I still care about what happens over there on Americas public land.

Pearl Drums, your sentiments are shared by many back East I am certain, just as I've never been to Alaska but still care very much about what happens there to OUR public lands.

question: does BHA constantly request for money or donations after you join like some of these other organizations?

I joined BHA as a lifetime member even though there isn’t a chapter in the Carolinas. I don’t know of another organization that does so much to help protect our public hunting and fishing land, and which has already been pointed out, that we have very little of on the east coast. Be aware though, BHA does not automatically drink the cool aide that Ryan Zinke and the NRA tout as being good for sportsman. They get to the core of the issue and look at the long term effects of proposed laws. Case in point was the Utah post yesterday that was shut down. I was subtly slammed for “alternative facts” talking about why the Bears Ears Monument change was bad for sportsmen. And yes, I am also a gun owner and NRA member before someone accuses me of being a left wing liberal...

I've been a BHA member for several years. It seems to be an upright organization working hard to combat moves to takeover public lands (having a hard time keeping politics out of this). Our Montana organization seems mostly to be populated by concerned folks from Western Montana (I'm living in the central part of the state), but that's fine with me. I've been to two of our summer campouts and have been impressed by the members I've met.

I t is a good group now established in the UP,,,,, I also like the Rough Grouse Society,,,, reason, its all about habitat

Thanks guys!

BHA is a good organization. Their biggest 'celebrity' endorser is probably Steve Rinella, if you are familiar with him, who is an excellent spokesman for the outdoors community. BHA typically does a good job researching and stating their position on big issues, and they have local chapters that focus on smaller stuff. They are fairly apolitical, which is a rarity and a breath of fresh air these days.

"Rants and foul language was common and very unprofessional." Their are nuts in every bunch, and I doubt those posts were made by BHA leaders. Good thing we never have rants or unprofessionalism on this site...

Eddie, I joined last year. They’ve never hit me up for anything other than dues. But they send out alerts requesting letters to Congress on a lot of public land issues. And they send out invitations to boots on the ground events as Steve mentioned above.

I should look into it.

I am a HUGE! supporter of our public land, and the management of that land.

I hunt and use public land exclusively. I'd fight till my last breath and a million against one if i had to. Just to protect and preserve it.

If you have already registered, please

sign in now

For new registrations

Click Here